Blew through the spending cap. I think that means they'll be unable to sign anyone for more than a $300k bonus next season. Likely prepping because they know that draft penalties will be coming next season with the hacking scandal likely resolved.

Anyone know if that Soler kid we signed is any relation to the one that plays for the Cubs?

R27 wrote:Blew through the spending cap. I think that means they'll be unable to sign anyone for more than a $300k bonus next season. Likely prepping because they know that draft penalties will be coming next season with the hacking scandal likely resolved.

Also because in the next CBA, there are going to be changes to the international scene, either harsher punishments for overspending or an international draft, so it made sense to go crazy this year.

R27 wrote:Anyone know if that Soler kid we signed is any relation to the one that plays for the Cubs?

I have tried to look up info on the other players but it is really hard to come by other than just reading what scouts say in the article about the signings. Not much video or info out there.

The Cardinals have an agreement to sign Randy Arozarena, a top young Cuban prospect who has split time between shortstop and the outfield, for $1.25 million. The agreement was first reported by Jorge Ebro of El Nuevo Herald.

Arozarena, 21, ranked as the No. 9 player on Baseball America’s April 2015 rankings of the top 20 players still in Cuba, standing out for his bat, speed and plate discipline. At 5-foot-11, 170 pounds, Arozarena is a righthanded hitter with a quick, simple stroke that stays in the hitting zone for a long time. He has a keen eye at the plate, with a line-drive approach and the ability to drive the ball to all fields. Arozarena isn’t a big power threat, but he has a chance to grow into 10-15 home runs with his value coming more from his OBP than his power. During his final season (2014-15) in Serie Nacional, Arozarena batted .291/.412/.419 in 74 games with 36 walks, 37 strikeouts and three home runs.